Why do cucumber ovaries turn yellow in the greenhouse and what to do?

Unfortunately, gardeners have to deal with situations when the embryos of cucumbers grown in greenhouses made of polycarbonate and other materials turn yellow, dry and fall off.

You can prevent such phenomena by knowing exactly why they happen and what to do about it. Experienced gardeners have a whole arsenal of effective tools to solve the problem with ovaries in a timely manner.

The sources of the troubles in question can be divided into three main categories. If future fruits are poorly tied on young cucumbers, and the ovaries are too small and do not grow or deteriorate, then in the overwhelming majority of cases this leads to:

• inappropriate conditions for keeping crops in a greenhouse (greenhouse);
• violation of the rules for caring for young plants;
• diseases and pests.

Rapid yellowing of the ovaries can provoke many diseases. And the leading positions in their list are occupied by bacterioses... In addition, problems often arise due to the fact that the roots rot, that is, we are talking about such a dangerous disease as root rot. Moreover, most often for a long time the plant looks absolutely healthy, except that its tops begin to dry out a little.

If we analyze biological causes, then it is worth noting that the most common pests include:

• spider mite;
• aphid;
• the flea is black;
• whitefly.

Of course, you need to know what to do in order to preserve the ovaries and ensure a good harvest. In this case, it is important to take into account the peaks of activity of various harmful insects, due to which the embryos dry up, wither and eventually fall off. Such periods are usually in the middle of summer. For example, aphids overwinter in weeds and choose the root part of the leaves for this. In the spring, the pest begins to spread at a record pace throughout the site.

It is no secret that the full growth and development of cucumbers in a greenhouse provides for normal lighting, optimal temperature conditions, and humidity levels. Ignoring one of these factors can lead to the fact that the ovaries begin to turn yellow en masse. And first of all, it is worth paying attention to the lack of lighting.

Deficiency of sunlight inevitably leads to disruption of photosynthesis in the leaves of all plants. This, in turn, causes problems with fruit formation. Cucumbers simply do not have enough strength to form full-fledged ovaries, and they begin to shed the growing fruits. Lack of light is most often the consequences of dense planting, as well as contamination of the greenhouse cover and its improper location on the site.

As practice shows, quite often inexperienced gardeners strive to plant the maximum number of plants in the minimum area. Cucumbers in such conditions suffer from a deficiency of both light and moisture and nutrition. The planting rate of the described culture is no more than 4 bushes per 1 square meter. When deviating from it, it is recommended to thin out the garden bed so that the remaining bushes continue to actively develop, the yellowing of the ovaries stops.

Too high and too low temperatures are unacceptable. The norm in the case of cucumbers is considered a thermometer reading in the range from 18 to 30 degrees above zero. In some cases, it is possible to increase the upper threshold by 5 units. Sharp temperature fluctuations will also be no less destructive.

However, similar problems can arise when using greenhouses. Most often this is observed in the spring, when the shelter warms up during the day, and cools down sharply at night due to the rather low air temperature. As a result of banal hypothermia of cucumbers, ovaries may suffer. It is recommended to use special sensors for temperature control. However, such equipment will not be affordable for every gardener, and therefore many amateurs prefer to use ordinary thermometers.

The next reason for the problems under consideration is inadequate air humidity in the greenhouse.... The optimal indicators in this case are considered to be 60-75%. Predictably, cucumbers love high moisture content because they are of tropical origin. At the same time, it is important to take into account that if droplets begin to form on the walls, then condensation will inevitably appear on the leaves, which will lead to their decay and burns. Naturally, in such conditions, the forming fruits will turn yellow and quickly deteriorate.

With high humidity, the plant is forced to direct all its forces, first of all, to survival. But it should be remembered that events will develop in a similar way with excessively dry air in the greenhouse. The following actions will allow you to avoid serious consequences, depending on the nature of the problem:

• in hot weather, it is necessary to spray the leaves of cucumbers, preferably twice a day, you can also place containers with water in the greenhouse;
• if condensation appears on the inner surface of the shelter, it is strongly recommended to remove it and regularly ventilate the room.

Yellow ovaries can be a consequence of plant pollination problems. And the crux of the problem lies in the wrong choice of the variety. For greenhouse growing conditions, it is recommended to consider parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. This approach is due to the fact that these varieties are characterized by predominantly female flowering, which excludes the need for insects to participate in the pollination process.

When planting varieties pollinated by bees, it will be necessary to ensure their free access to plants. In addition to the fact that all doors and vents must be open, containers with a solution of honey or sugar syrup can be placed in the room. Another effective remedy is to spread watermelon and melon rinds around the bushes. The disadvantage of this method is that such a bait is likely to interest both bees and ants. Another way to solve the problem is to manually pollinate the plants. You can perform all the necessary operations with a soft brush. It is with her that pollen is transferred between male and female flowers.

In addition to all of the above, the list of the described reasons also includes lack of crop rotation in the greenhouse used for growing cucumbers. If only cucumbers are grown in it, then soil depletion will inevitably begin with the parallel filling of the soil with pathogenic bacteria. The alternation of cultivated crops will allow avoiding problems, the list of which also includes the appearance of yellow ovaries. They do this according to the same rules as in the open field.

In some situations, alternation is impossible, and the greenhouse is used only for cucumbers. At the same time, it will be necessary to change the fertile layer with a depth of at least 30 cm every year.

Most often, the yellowness of the ovaries is the result of a violation of the rules for caring for cucumbers at different stages of plant development. It is important to take into account that the described culture can react extremely painfully to any deviations. And first of all, it is worth focusing on improper watering. When irrigating the soil in a greenhouse, it is important not to ignore the following key points:

• the temperature of the water used should be in the range from 22 to 27 degrees;
• in the heat, the soil is moistened daily, and in cloudy weather - with an interval of 3-4 days;
• consumption - from 8 to 10 liters for each adult bush.

The ovaries will turn yellow, and in some cases, you can even lose the crop if:

• pour cold water over cucumbers;
• regularly waterlogging the ground;
• do not provide enough moisture in the heat.

The next key factor is violation of feeding rules.... It is important to remember here that both deficiency and excess of fertilizers are equally harmful for cucumbers. You can harm the ovaries if you feed the soil without taking into account the most important points.

• Nitrogen is a key element for normal crop growth. Herbal infusions, as well as a solution of mullein in a ratio of 1:10 and urea, will help to ensure its content in the soil. It should be recalled that you can feed the plant with them only before flowering.
• At the stage of flowering and fruit formation, the need for phosphorus, magnesium and potassium increases. From the moment the bud is born and until the end of fruiting, fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks.
• Parthenocarpic species are particularly "gluttonous". When caring for them, the rate of fertilizing is doubled under normal weather conditions and 2.5 times during dry times.

An equally critical error can be rough loosening of the soil. In an effort to maintain the looseness of the soil at all costs, some gardeners neglect caution. This often leads to damage and subsequent death of some of the roots. Predictably, as a result, the plant does not have enough strength for the further development of the ovaries.

Another reason for the described troubles may seem insignificant at first glance. However, in practice, it can often negatively affect fruiting. This is about untimely harvest. The fact is that overgrown fruits take a large amount of nutrients from the plant, which are then simply not enough for the full development of new ovaries. In this case, getting rid of the latter will be easier. Problems can be prevented if, during the period of active ripening of cucumbers, they are removed every 2-3 days.

In addition to everything already listed, it is necessary to focus on on the detrimental consequences of neglecting the procedure for the formation of cucumber bushes. As a rule, novice gardeners face similar problems. They are advised not to forget that when grown in a greenhouse, the plant loses its ability to form independently. Given this, it is required to remove some of the lashes. Competent performance of such operations effectively prevents yellowing of the ovaries and their death..

Cucumber bushes are formed in several stages. Moreover, the nuances of each of them are determined by the varietal characteristics of the culture. Some varieties differ in that they themselves grow very neatly with a relatively small number of side shoots. In other words, they do not grow and, therefore, direct all forces to the formation and development of ovaries and fruits.

If symptoms of diseases appear in the form of yellow ovaries, effective measures should be taken immediately.In such situations, both folk and modern chemicals are successfully used. Treatment, depending on the cause of the problem, includes the following treatment:

• from rot - preparations containing copper (Ordan, Abiga-Peak, HOM and others);
• with cucumber mosaic - elimination of infected shoots and bushes, it is important to remember that the last stage of this disease is yellowing of the ovaries;
• with cladosporium - spraying with such proven solutions as "Pseudobacterin" and "Gamair".

Another disease dangerous for the ovaries is bacteriosis... It develops, as a rule, with a combination of two factors at once: high humidity and dense planting of cucumbers. It is worth recalling that the first and clear sign of bacteriosis is the appearance of shapeless spots on the foliage. The next stage in the development of the infection is yellowing and rapid wilting of the color and ovaries. The affected elements are immediately removed, and the cut sites are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

For the rapid treatment of bacteriosis, effective means are used, such as:

• Pharmayod;
• Actellik;
• Bayleton;
• Fitolavin-300;
• "Climate";
• "Fas".

Among other things, it is important to pay attention to such scourges as powdery mildew. It is a consequence of excessive humidity in the greenhouse, as well as sudden temperature fluctuations and dense planting of plants. To prevent yellowing and death of nascent fruits in such situations, it is necessary:

• first stop irrigation and fertilization for a week;
• to treat the affected areas of plants using warm solutions "Oxychoma" or "Topaz".

Another reason for the described troubles is waterlogging of the soil as a result of excessive watering. To correct the situation in such cases, you can use the following manipulations:

• laying out adsorbents on the beds in the greenhouse (ordinary moss is well suited), which quickly and efficiently absorb excess moisture;
• temporary (until the top layer of the soil dries out) cancellation of watering;
• organization of high-quality ventilation of the greenhouse;
• removing old leaves at the bottom of the bushes.

One of the most dangerous enemies of cucumbers is the spider mite. That is why it is recommended to pay special attention to the fight against this pest. It settles, as a rule, on the underside of the leaves and actively sucks out the sap of the plant. A sign of infection will be the appearance of a characteristic spider web, and its owner should be disposed of immediately. At the initial stage, the most effective will be:

• soap solution, which includes 3 tbsp. l. crushed laundry soap and 10 liters of water;
• infusions of celandine, dandelion tops, and yarrow;
• onion infusion, for its preparation you will need 80 g of chopped onion pulp and 10 liters of water, infused for a day;
• garlic tincture - 50 g of crushed product per 20 liters of water, this solution must be infused within 24 hours.

An effective preventive measure in the fight against this mite will be deep digging of soil in the greenhouse. Simultaneously, steaming and freezing of the soil is used. The cardinal method is to completely replace the substrate.

Another dangerous enemy of cucumbers is aphids. In this case, it is initially necessary to recall that the pest has many natural enemies. Quickly enough to get rid of aphids in the greenhouse will help:

• ladybugs;
• lacewing;
• hover flies;
• earwigs;
• predatory wasps.

As practice shows, the most dangerous for aphids and, accordingly, the most effective in the fight against it are ladybugs. They are carefully collected throughout the site and transported to the greenhouse, releasing them as close as possible to the affected areas.

The next effective way to get rid of aphids, due to which the ovaries turn yellow, is in planting plants that can repel this pest... It is known to be intolerant to most garden flowers. for example, marigolds, as well as the following herbs:

• mint;
• mustard;
• cilantro;
• basil.

Such natural repellents are planted both along the perimeter of the greenhouse and directly between the cucumber beds. In addition, many experienced gardeners successfully use some infusions.

• Onion... Fill a bucket halfway with onion peel and cover it with water. During the day, this solution is infused in direct sunlight. Then it is filtered and diluted with water to a total volume of 10 liters. This product is used both for spraying and for irrigation.
• Pepper... Chop or chop as finely as possible 1 kg of hot pepper and pour the resulting mass with three liters of water. It must be cooked over low heat for one hour. The prepared mixture is put in heat for 48 hours. The next stage is filtering the product, diluting it with water and using it. For 5 liters of water, half a glass of pepper infusion is enough. By the way, it can be stored in the refrigerator by pouring it into dark bottles or jars.
• Garlic Dandelion. To prepare it, you will need half a kilogram of dandelion tops (with roots). All collected material must be chopped, and then rubbed 3 medium-sized heads of garlic. The resulting mass in a bucket or any other convenient container is poured with warm water and mixed well. It remains only after two hours to strain the solution and spray the cucumber bushes affected by aphids with it.

Analyzing the most important and effective ways to prevent the appearance of yellow ovaries, it is worth considering that initially it is required to level the temperature drops in the greenhouse. This requires:

• on hot days, organize good ventilation of the room;
• in case of cold snaps at night, bring hot stones into the greenhouse;
• if a sharp drop in temperature is predicted, cover the bushes with non-woven material for insulation.

It is also important to remember that prolonged cold snaps are detrimental to the described culture. To prevent extremely negative consequences, the construction of a temporary shelter made of film over the greenhouse will allow. Another effective measure is the introduction of growth stimulants, which will maximize the immunity of plants. Another important point is to prevent over-pollination of varietal cucumbers with hybrid specimens.